FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[jamtod]

3. Threw to the outside and picked apart man coverage...o-line gave Jackson enough time!

Does St. Olaf,Gustavus or Bethel have the athletes to duplicate this type of game plan vs UST? I would venture to say Gustavus has the QB and receivers but not sure of the O-line play. Bethel with Marsh at QB if he plays like he did against SJU could put a scare into the Toms. Time will tell how it shakes out.

That was my thought as well - I very much agree with the logic - UST has a ton of talent / speed on defense, so you're going to end up pretty frustrated trying to run on them.  I certainly don't thing that St. Olaf, or Gustavus can do so, and I don't think that Roste is quite there yet either - would love to be proven wrong.  SJU is probably the only MIAC team with the horses to execute on that, so we'll probably have to wait until the playoffs, most likely even the second round, to see if someone else can duplicate the game plan?

Even if they did duplicate the game plan, I don't think Caruso and Kuchinski went home threw their arms up in the air and said "Wow, I guess if someone else does that game plan I guess we're going to have the face the fact that we're going to lose"  I am sure they are anticipating this and that adjustments will be made.

100%.
If SJU tossed that exact same gameplan at us in a week, our approach would be different. If we rematch in the playoffs, SJU is going to have to mix things up and if they can't establish the run, they are going to have a tough time.

[57Johnnie]

Just in case there is anybody that doesn't already know:
John's funeral is on Stretch-11AM central

[SagatagSam]

Blow-out game this coming week will most likely be Carleton traveling up to the cities to St. Thomas. The Tommies will work out their frustration of losing to the Johnnies on the hapless Knights.

I don't know if there is a spread large enough where I wouldn't pick the Toms to cover against Carleton.  Maybe -94?

St. Glenn is seething and needs to show the world he's still got it.

[USTBench]

3. Threw to the outside and picked apart man coverage...o-line gave Jackson enough time!

Does St. Olaf,Gustavus or Bethel have the athletes to duplicate this type of game plan vs UST? I would venture to say Gustavus has the QB and receivers but not sure of the O-line play. Bethel with Marsh at QB if he plays like he did against SJU could put a scare into the Toms. Time will tell how it shakes out.

That was my thought as well - I very much agree with the logic - UST has a ton of talent / speed on defense, so you're going to end up pretty frustrated trying to run on them.  I certainly don't thing that St. Olaf, or Gustavus can do so, and I don't think that Roste is quite there yet either - would love to be proven wrong.  SJU is probably the only MIAC team with the horses to execute on that, so we'll probably have to wait until the playoffs, most likely even the second round, to see if someone else can duplicate the game plan?

Even if they did duplicate the game plan, I don't think Caruso and Kuchinski went home threw their arms up in the air and said "Wow, I guess if someone else does that game plan I guess we're going to have the face the fact that we're going to lose"  I am sure they are anticipating this and that adjustments will be made.

100%.
If SJU tossed that exact same gameplan at us in a week, our approach would be different. If we rematch in the playoffs, SJU is going to have to mix things up and if they can't establish the run, they are going to have a tough time.

99.9% of D3 teams could try to toss that offensive game plan at UST and wouldn't have anywhere near that level of success. The two interceptions aside, Erdmann played as well as I've ever seen a QB play against UST. He was putting balls where only Gillach could make a play, and often times, Gillach was making spectacular plays. That connection, as disheartening as it was as a Tommie fan, was a lot of fun to watch.

I was hoping out of halftime Kuchinski was going to find a way to at least slow them down, but SJU neutralized UST's pass rush better than anyone I've seen in quite sometime, and was able to effectively work the sidelines enough that the middle of the field opened up like the Red Sea. I don't know the stats on 3rd down, but it seemed like SJU was converting at a ridiculously high rate.

Even if Parks didn't fumble and was able to punch that ball in to make it a one score game, I'm still not convinced that kind of momentum shift would have slowed down the Johnnie O.

I'm not totally defeated. If UST gets through the rest of the MIAC unscathed I think they can certainly make a run to the Stagg Bowl. I'd rather eat the humble pie now.

One thing that was glaringly obvious is that UST has not be challenged in the slightest leading into that game. Perra has pretty much only been playing one legitimate half of football per week and has not faced the kind of pass rush SJU was able to put on him. There were a few times I felt like Perra got happy feet and bailed instead of sliding up in the pocket. His internal clock was going off a little prematurely and he was forcing some stuff he didn't need to. SJU was pretty effective in neutralizing Green and Loeffler, and after Pallini, the cupboard is pretty bare in the pass game, save for a random performance by Grant Slavik.

Parks had 22 carries, but it was clear to me, he probably should have had even more in that game. It's just unfortunate we don't have Trettel to share the load. I think there was a shot to slow that game down, and build a pass game off the run, and perhaps give our defense a longer blow and keep SJU off the field.

Anyway, tip-of-the-cap to the Johnnies. I think the Johnies game plan was adequate, but their execution was about as good as it gets. You just don't see some of those plays made very often, and they were making them look routine.

[jamtod]

100%.
If SJU tossed that exact same gameplan at us in a week, our approach would be different. If we rematch in the playoffs, SJU is going to have to mix things up and if they can't establish the run, they are going to have a tough time.

99.9% of D3 teams could try to toss that offensive game plan at UST and wouldn't have anywhere near that level of success. The two interceptions aside, Erdmann played as well as I've ever seen a QB play against UST. He was putting balls where only Gillach could make a play, and often times, Gillach was making spectacular plays. That connection, as disheartening as it was as a Tommie fan, was a lot of fun to watch.

I was hoping out of halftime Kuchinski was going to find a way to at least slow them down, but SJU neutralized UST's pass rush better than anyone I've seen in quite sometime, and was able to effectively work the sidelines enough that the middle of the field opened up like the Red Sea. I don't know the stats on 3rd down, but it seemed like SJU was converting at a ridiculously high rate.

Even if Parks didn't fumble and was able to punch that ball in to make it a one score game, I'm still not convinced that kind of momentum shift would have slowed down the Johnnie O.

I'm not totally defeated. If UST gets through the rest of the MIAC unscathed I think they can certainly make a run to the Stagg Bowl. I'd rather eat the humble pie now.

One thing that was glaringly obvious is that UST has not be challenged in the slightest leading into that game. Perra has pretty much only been playing one legitimate half of football per week and has not faced the kind of pass rush SJU was able to put on him. There were a few times I felt like Perra got happy feet and bailed instead of sliding up in the pocket. His internal clock was going off a little prematurely and he was forcing some stuff he didn't need to. SJU was pretty effective in neutralizing Green and Loeffler, and after Pallini, the cupboard is pretty bare in the pass game, save for a random performance by Grant Slavik.

Parks had 22 carries, but it was clear to me, he probably should have had even more in that game. It's just unfortunate we don't have Trettel to share the load. I think there was a shot to slow that game down, and build a pass game off the run, and perhaps give our defense a longer blow and keep SJU off the field.

Anyway, tip-of-the-cap to the Johnnies. I think the Johnies game plan was adequate, but their execution was about as good as it gets. You just don't see some of those plays made very often, and they were making them look routine.

Was Loeffler even in the game much before the second half? I didn't see much of him.

SJU was 9 of 17 on 3rd down. We were 3 of 16. Ouch.

[miac952]

3. Threw to the outside and picked apart man coverage...o-line gave Jackson enough time!

Does St. Olaf,Gustavus or Bethel have the athletes to duplicate this type of game plan vs UST? I would venture to say Gustavus has the QB and receivers but not sure of the O-line play. Bethel with Marsh at QB if he plays like he did against SJU could put a scare into the Toms. Time will tell how it shakes out.

This may come off as a harsh answer, but I would say a declarative NO. Jackson Erdmann played like only a handful of D3 quarterbacks I have ever seen. Comparable to Aaron Boehme (Linfield) and Alex Tanney (Monmouth followed by NFL). He put balls in the smallest windows where only his receiver could get them. He threw well to all different levels. He moved around in the pocket just enough to manage pressure. And he had an hard internal clock in his head on when to fire; never more than 1-2 seconds in the pocket. His only flaw may have been staring down receivers, which led to the handful of batted balls. But that was largely because his primary route on the pre-snap read was almost always available.

It may sound like hyperbole, but based on that performance, he would start for a large number of Division 1 schools. There may be 1 or 2 other DIII schools out there that come even come close to that level. I thought the O-Line and receiver played into Saturday's success, but it really rested on the shoulders of one individual. Heckendorf designed the plan and Erdmann executed it. Both deserve all the credit in the world. If I knew James Franklin I would call him today and tell him the kid that left his program is a perfect heir apparent to McSorley and he should call him and beg him to come back next year. Caruso should also find out what Heckendorf is getting payed, and offer to double it.

It reminded me a bit of when UST went down to play Monmouth in that first year in the playoffs against Tanney. The difference that time was UST had a gameplan for it because they knew what they were walking into. The offense also didn't screw the pooch with 5 turnovers in that game. I would be really curious to see how UST would adjust next time around, if there is a next time. Put two safeties over the top, jam the inside routes and force Erdmann to make the sideline throws. They may give up 3-4 yards on a run now and then, but that would have to be the counter. He may still make the throws, but at least you force them to tougher spots on the field and keep it in front of you a bit, until a penalty, a sack, or a mistake is made. The offense can stay with a similar gameplan. They garnered 610 yards. They might want to eliminate the unforced errors though.

Minus the fumble near the goal line I would say Josh Parks was also a pretty clear high level Division 1 talent too. The speed was always there, but he now appears to be a lot stronger and better between the tackles. SJU needs to find a mediocre running back. The SJU line play is decent. But, the RB just barrels right into their backsides without seeing cutback lanes or holes develop. It's a glaring weakness on an otherwise high level offense. The kicking game was a mess for SJU as well.

[OzJohnnie]

Admittedly, I was rather giddy so my powers of observation may have been off, but I didn't see UST switch their defensive game plan during the entire game.  They stayed with the blitz extravaganza, often safety blitzes, and tried to make that work the whole game.  I can't recall them trying to keep more men in coverage.  It seemed like the Johnnie receivers were continually in 1-on-1.  Granted, the Jays were splitting five wide about 60 percent of the time but it still seemed like the Tommies were rushing with at least six every down.

[miac952]

Admittedly, I was rather giddy so my powers of observation may have been off, but I didn't see UST switch their defensive game plan during the entire game.  They stayed with the blitz extravaganza, often safety blitzes, and tried to make that work the whole game.  I can't recall them trying to keep more men in coverage.  It seemed like the Johnnie receivers were continually in 1-on-1.  Granted, the Jays were splitting five wide about 60 percent of the time but it still seemed like the Tommies were rushing with at least six every down.

It shifted a bit to some different personnel and two safeties over the top mid-way through the 3rd; after the Gilich post route TD I think. UST didn't give up another offensive TD after that and looked a little better, but its hard to say if that had anything to do with it. 81 dropped a TD against that coverage on what might have been Erdmann's best throw of the day while under pressure.

[OzJohnnie]

Yes, I'm sure you're right.  I was carried away on the day like a little boy getting a new set of Tinker Toys for Christmas.

What I'm most glad for is that contest has swung in the Johnnies favor this year and what that means for the rivalry.  This is a rivalry poised on a knife edge and that makes it a whole lot of fun.  The mix of hopeful and fearful anticipation for the annual contest is gripping.

Now, I'm 99% sure there are four other MIAC programs (at least) who don't plan on rolling over and peeing on themselves like submissive puppies.  The MIAC is set for some very exciting years.  It's a lucky time to be a supporter.

[Mr.MIAC]

Losing to the Johnnies is never a pleasant experience, but I'm actually sort of glad it happened. I'm sure it's lit a fire underneath the butts of everyone on the team, coaches and players alike. If it's easy sailing all season we risk getting complacent. The mid-season loss followed by three less competitive games will give us time to make the necessary adjustments before facing Bethel. Overcoming such a setback will also help galvanize the team, sort of like what happened when we almost lost (probably should have lost) to Concordia a few years back. If we win out the season there's a good chance we'll be in the playoffs and stronger than ever.

[MiacMan]

Yes, I'm sure you're right.  I was carried away on the day like a little boy getting a new set of Tinker Toys for Christmas.

What I'm most glad for is that contest has swung in the Johnnies favor this year and what that means for the rivalry.  This is a rivalry poised on a knife edge and that makes it a whole lot of fun.  The mix of hopeful and fearful anticipation for the annual contest is gripping.

Now, I'm 99% sure there are four other MIAC programs (at least) who don't plan on rolling over and peeing on themselves like submissive puppies.  The MIAC is set for some very exciting years.  It's a lucky time to be a supporter.

OZ,

Well said! +k

[MadRedFan]

Lots of good thoughts and observations on this thread, especially USTBench and mica 952 a few posts up.

Agree with the observation that Parks showed his pedigree, he's very tough.

Not that the Johnnie starters have been playing 4 quarters all year, but a couple of the "experts" I sit with were thinking maybe the Tommie D was gassed some in the 4th quarter, and allowed the Johnnies to grind it some after the fumble runback.  Not totally sure I agree, but an interesting thought.

I agree with the observation about the Johnnie RB's - no one really seems to hit the hole with authority.  Well, they started the year with Udoibok starting, who has not looked all that special.  Barber has looked pretty decent, and is my favorite.   Essler, who played lots last year, really seems to hit the hole better than the bigger guys, and has some shiftiness, kind of a "traditional" Johnnie RB, in the Chris Moore, Sam Sura mold.  Not sure what the answer is.

I'm sure getting the ball out quick was the emphasis for Erdmann, but it did seem like the Johnnie OL was able to hold up pretty well against the pass rush.

I really thought Heckendorf came into his own Saturday.

[57Johnnie]

If anybody is getting the funeral, let me know. I get a still picture but no sound.
Oops-got it

[Pat Coleman]

Any Johnnies still basking in the glow will want to listen to the opening topic (at a minimum!) for the d3football podcast.

http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/2018/10/15/around-the-nation-podcast-212-taking-down-the-big-dog/

Thanks for that. Probably will want to stick around for game balls, too.

[finsleft]

3. Threw to the outside and picked apart man coverage...o-line gave Jackson enough time!

Does St. Olaf,Gustavus or Bethel have the athletes to duplicate this type of game plan vs UST? I would venture to say Gustavus has the QB and receivers but not sure of the O-line play. Bethel with Marsh at QB if he plays like he did against SJU could put a scare into the Toms. Time will tell how it shakes out.

This may come off as a harsh answer, but I would say a declarative NO. Jackson Erdmann played like only a handful of D3 quarterbacks I have ever seen. Comparable to Aaron Boehme (Linfield) and Alex Tanney (Monmouth followed by NFL). He put balls in the smallest windows where only his receiver could get them. He threw well to all different levels. He moved around in the pocket just enough to manage pressure. And he had an hard internal clock in his head on when to fire; never more than 1-2 seconds in the pocket. His only flaw may have been staring down receivers, which led to the handful of batted balls. But that was largely because his primary route on the pre-snap read was almost always available.

It may sound like hyperbole, but based on that performance, he would start for a large number of Division 1 schools. There may be 1 or 2 other DIII schools out there that come even come close to that level. I thought the O-Line and receiver played into Saturday's success, but it really rested on the shoulders of one individual. Heckendorf designed the plan and Erdmann executed it. Both deserve all the credit in the world. If I knew James Franklin I would call him today and tell him the kid that left his program is a perfect heir apparent to McSorley and he should call him and beg him to come back next year. Caruso should also find out what Heckendorf is getting payed, and offer to double it.

It reminded me a bit of when UST went down to play Monmouth in that first year in the playoffs against Tanney. The difference that time was UST had a gameplan for it because they knew what they were walking into. The offense also didn't screw the pooch with 5 turnovers in that game. I would be really curious to see how UST would adjust next time around, if there is a next time. Put two safeties over the top, jam the inside routes and force Erdmann to make the sideline throws. They may give up 3-4 yards on a run now and then, but that would have to be the counter. He may still make the throws, but at least you force them to tougher spots on the field and keep it in front of you a bit, until a penalty, a sack, or a mistake is made. The offense can stay with a similar gameplan. They garnered 610 yards. They might want to eliminate the unforced errors though.

Minus the fumble near the goal line I would say Josh Parks was also a pretty clear high level Division 1 talent too. The speed was always there, but he now appears to be a lot stronger and better between the tackles. SJU needs to find a mediocre running back. The SJU line play is decent. But, the RB just barrels right into their backsides without seeing cutback lanes or holes develop. It's a glaring weakness on an otherwise high level offense. The kicking game was a mess for SJU as well.

Very good analysis. The game pivoted on a great offensive game plan and its execution. Erdmann deserves all the kudos he is getting, but great QB's takes their linemen out for supper after a game like that. The SJU O-line deserved an all-you-can-eat buffet, they were that good against the #1 defense. And I haven't seen the stats on this, but it seemed like SJU's ability to convert on 3rd downs was uncanny. That makes a huge difference in a humming offense.
The tailgate was a blur, like a wedding or a funeral where time flies and there's not enough time to talk to everyone or go everywhere. Sorry to have missed you Oz and Bench, and all the rest of you knuckleheads who were there.